Cherries in Winter: My Family’s Recipe for Hope in Hard Times

Like many fellow Americans, Suzan Colón’s was laid off in 2008. Separated from her high-paying position at a New York magazine Suzan took matters into her own hands and tightened the purse strings by cooking. This economical decision led her to reacquaint herself with not only a host of beloved family recipes but also served as a reminder that many of her relatives had lived and even thrived during extremely lean times. Of course, just because you may be low on funds doesn’t mean you have to be poor of spirit. Suzan and the women in her family are always aware of how a little splurge can keep the heart light i.e. buying expensive cherries in winter, or in Suzan’s case, a pricey container of French Raisins from Fairway Market.

While reading this highly enjoyable memoir of frugality and perseverance I found myself often thinking of my own family’s culinary mainstays including my grandmother’s pork pie and peanut butter fudge, and my mother’s amazing raised doughnuts. I’m certain you’ll also fall into a warm nostalgic revelry as well while devouring this excellent tale. Cherries in Winter: My Family’s Recipe for Hope in Hard Times is available now. You can also connect with the author at CherriesInWinter.com.

Hänni – Suzan worked in the magazine industry as an editor and then freelanced articles while she was unemployed. I’m sure she has lots of contacts in the publishing industry. When you read the story you’ll find out that she thought she was going to be laid off for months so she planned ahead, saved etc… maybe she pitched an unemployment book deal too? Or at least had it in the back of her head. Either way it’s a really super little read. I enjoyed it as my morning commute read very much.